Vick evades talk of dog-fighting case; house sold

Vick's myriad troubles have clearly rattled the Falcons, who can't seem to decide where they come down on this latest case.

At midweek, Petrino expressed confidence that Vick was telling the truth and expressed hope that the case would be resolved soon without any criminal charges. Not more than 24 hours later, Blank was blasting the quarterback for embarrassing the franchise and urging him to choose his friends more wisely.

Blank is clearly concerned by Vick's actions in the last six months. He was fined by the league for flashing an obscene gesture at Atlanta fans after a November loss, then got stopped in January by security at the Miami airport for carrying a water bottle with a secret compartment.

And, of course, Vick is still linked with "Ron Mexico" -- the case involving a woman who claimed that the player infected her with a sexually transmitted disease, then took on a ridiculous alias when he sought treatment.

Petrino, who might be wishing he had stayed at Louisville instead of jumping to the Falcons, has apparently decided that the best course of action is to say nothing at all.

"With respect to your job and everything you do," he told reporters, "I started off saying we have five practice this weekend. I want to focus completely on football and put everything else behind us. I'll be glad to answer anything about football."

While hesitant to discuss specifics, Vick's teammates did their best to come to his defense.

"I am sure the whole team supports Mike," outspoken receiver Joe Horn said. "He is not coming to practice with a bad attitude, which some athletes can do if they know there's something negative going on in the media. He is coming out with a great attitude. He is coming out here and talking the guys. He is learning the offense. He is showing people that he is still our leader."

Vick wouldn't discuss the sale of the house or even respond to the chance to proclaim his innocence, as he did shortly after the property was raided by investigators two weeks ago.

"Like I said, I won't talk about the situation right now," he said. "When the investigation is over, then I'll be more than glad to answer any questions that you might have for me."